Device for maintaining rail alignment and electrical circuit separation in a model railroad layout

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a number of structural crossties configured to mimic railroad crossties. The apparatus also includes a number of beams connected to the crossties. A conductive top surface is on portions of the structural crossties or the beams. The conductive top surface is configured for substantially electrically isolating a first conductive rail from a second conductive rail.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/852,549 filed Mar. 18, 2013.

BACKGROUND

This application relates to trackwork for model railroads, specifically electrical rail separation, mechanical support, and or maintaining rail alignment.

The model railroading hobby has grown significantly in the last century, consistent with the commercial availability of electricity in the home, as well as advances in electrical technology. Early self-powered model railroad equipment operated using clockwork mechanisms. With the invention of the permanent magnet motor, ever smaller electric drive mechanisms were possible. These drive mechanisms—electric motors—eventually achieved such reduction in size, that installation in small model railroad equipment became practical and cost-effective.

In a typical model railroad arrangement, a tiny electric motor in the model locomotive receives electrical power carried by two or more electrified rails, on which rest the driving wheels of the powered model locomotive. The driving wheels usually receive electrical signals of opposite direct current (DC) polarity, and are conductively isolated from each other, so that current cannot directly pass from the driving wheel on one side of the track (a positive signal, for example) to the driving wheel on the other side of the track (a negative signal). The current flow is instead routed through the drive motor, which causes the motor to turn, usually driving a worm gear or other mechanism, which in turn rotate the model's driving wheels on the electrified track. Other electrical circuits can be on board the locomotive (or other elements of the model train), and can also be powered by this power routing method. These may include lighting, sound effects, and even sophisticated electronic control circuitry.

A simple model railroad consists of a closed circle or oval path (universally referred to as a “layout”), of parallel conductive rails. On one rail, a negative polarity is applied, and on the other rail, a positive signal is applied. The conductive path is closed, and consistent throughout the circumference, or complete path, of the model layout. The locomotive travels around the layout in a direction related to the polarity of the signal on the conductive rails. The direction of the locomotive may be reversed by reversing the polarity of the signal, in the case of a DC system. The locomotive is thus able to travel forward, stop by interrupting the current flow to the rails, or travel in reverse. Various and correspondingly more complex movement action has been achieved by the development of the equipment over the years, but practically all simulated railroad activity is based on these three states of motion.

On the simplest of model layouts, a single route of track has a single signal applied, and all the equipment operating on that track will move relative to the single signal. If two locomotives are on the track simultaneously, then each will receive the same signal, and cannot operate independently. If the signal is present, both locomotives will be in motion; if the signal has been interrupted, both will stop. It is not possible on such an arrangement to have one locomotive traveling forward while another is stopped or traveling in reverse.

Furthermore, in attempting to model real-world railroads in a realistic, useful manner, complex trackwork may be required wherein electrically-conductive model rails cross each other, as in the model reproduction of a railroad “yard”, for example, or a junction where multiple railroads cross each other. Thusly, at times it may prove necessary to provide electrical gaps in the model rails to maintain isolation of the different rail polarities, or allow for independent control of multiple trains.

Model railroads almost universally achieve realism for the modeled track by reproducing the full-scale design of narrow metal rails laid in parallel with each other, on top of wider wooden or concrete cross-members of a relatively consistent size and shape. This rail and crosstie arrangement has existed since the first implementations of practical railroads. This arrangement is a primary factor to be considered in any model railroad track construction activity, when realism is a desired result. Although the model materials may be different than their full-scale counterparts, the intended appearance and function is similar. The primary aim of “scale model” railroading is to recreate railroad equipment and activity, in miniature, as realistically as possible. This challenges the modeler to provide a solution in a manner that remains relatively undetected in the scale model scene.

Furthermore, the gradual adaptation of microprocessor-based control circuits to the model railroad hobby has enhanced the level of diverse activity that can be simulated on a scale model layout, and further reinforced the use of the separate circuit approach to controlling equipment activity.

SUMMARY

Provided herein is an apparatus including a number of structural crossties configured to mimic railroad crossties. The apparatus also includes a number of beams connected to the crossties. A conductive top surface is on portions of the structural crossties or the beams. The conductive top surface is configured for substantially electrically isolating a first conductive rail from a second conductive rail.

These and other aspects and features of the invention may be better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and appended claims.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a first embodiment in a basic form.

FIG. 2A provides a perspective view of a second embodiment in an expanded form.

FIG. 2B provides a perspective view of a third embodiment showing gaps of different size, number and position.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a first embodiment showing it in a possible operation.

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of an embodiment showing additional Connective Longitudinal Beams to accommodate additional rails.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of an embodiment which can accommodate mechanical positioning of two adjacent parallel train routes.

FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of an embodiment showing it being used to mechanically and electrically join two disparate sections of track.

FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of an embodiment showing it in use where track abuts the edge of a layout, or modular section of a layout.

FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of an embodiment illustrating the concepts applied to a model train switch trackwork situation.

FIG. 9A provides a perspective view of an embodiment illustrating the concepts of feed through holes for electrical feeder wire utility.

FIG. 9B provides a perspective view showing the installation of electrical feeder wires using the embodiment of FIG. 9A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before embodiments of the invention are described in greater detail, it should be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described and/or illustrated herein, as elements of such embodiments may vary. It should likewise be understood that a particular embodiment described and/or illustrated herein has elements that may be readily separated from the particular embodiment and optionally combined with any of several other embodiments or substituted for elements in any of several other embodiments described herein.

It should also be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of the invention, and the terminology is not intended to be limiting.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains.

The invention provides a rigid substrate for securing model railroad rails while maintaining a realistic appearance. Once installed, this reduces or prevents relative movement of the rails with respect to each other in all 3 axis, even if electrical gaps are cut into the rails in the areas where the rails are affixed to the invention.

Several advantages of one or more aspects are that it is relatively inexpensive to manufacture in quantity and in fact can be prototyped or offered in various quantities rather easily using a common vertical milling machine and readily-available materials. It has the ability to be built to accommodate a wide range of model railroad trackage types, whether they be commercially-produced or handcrafted, regardless of materials employed in the trackage. It can be formed to have a realistic appearance and match the track in some or all dimensions and component shapes, including accommodating many different rail sizes, and provides a strong substrate which is durable and resistant or impervious to environmental fluctuations.

These and other advantages of one or more aspects will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and accompanying drawings. Several exemplary non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now be described in greater detail.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention. It shows the invention in its a basic form.

The present invention consists of a predetermined shape, formed or cut from a layered planar material, comprised of a rigid Insulating Substrate material (11), and having a Conductive Top (12) layer of material, such as copper. This Conductive Top (12) may optionally have different and/or additional plated metal finishes applied (such as but not limited to, tin or a tin/lead alloy). The exact shape and thickness of the device shall be determined by the specific model railroad trackwork for which it is intended, but is generally described as a contiguous outline of the layered material previously described, having two (or more, depending on the number of rails to be accommodated) narrow Connective Longitudinal Beams (13), typically, but not necessarily, placed in regions below where the model rails would ultimately reside (upon installation), and more or less perpendicular to which are two or more Structural Crossties (14). These members in aggregate are of such relative size and shape as to correspond to the two-dimensional shape, when viewed from above, of two or more railroad rails stretching across two or more railroad crossties. The Conductive Top (12), in an area between the Connective Longitudinal Beams (13), is split into two or more separate conductive regions by two or more Gaps (15), the width of which are sufficient to prevent or otherwise limit electrical conductivity between the two or more resulting conductive regions of Connective Longitudinal Beams (13) and Structural Crossties (14).

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention. It shows the invention in an expanded form.

This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, and is comprised of a rigid Insulating Substrate material (21), which incorporates two additional Structural Crossties (24) and four additional Connective Longitudinal Beams (23). It is thus a larger version of the first embodiment. In order to preserve the electrical isolation in the Conductive Top (22), additional Gaps (25) are also included. Note that by extension, still larger or different shaped versions are possible with additional (integral) components in a similar manner as described herein. Some of these will be described in other embodiments.

FIG. 2B illustrates that the size, shape, number and location of gaps is unimportant.

As before, a rigid Insulating Substrate material (211) is shown, incorporating Structural Crossties (214) and Connective Longitudinal Beams (213). In order to preserve the electrical isolation in the Conductive Top (212), 4 different exemplary non-limiting gapping scenarios are shown. Narrow Gap (215) is shown positioned off-center with respect to the Connective Longitudinal Beams (213); Narrow Gap Pair (216) shows 2 proportionally narrow gaps; Extra Wide Gap (217) shows one very large gap which could occupy almost the entire space between rails, once installed; Gap (218) shows a wide off-center gap. Other incarnations are possible. For example, various embodiments may include any number and location of gaps, and the gaps may be of uniform or various widths.

FIG. 3 shows the operation of the first embodiment of the invention, however, these concepts are directly applicable to all similar embodiments discussed herein. Some references to FIG. 1 components will also be made herein since this discussion is of the first embodiment.

In one exemplary application, the device is situated under model Conductive Rails (32), which have been prepared (cleaned) for the application of Electrical Solder or Adhesive (33). The Electrical Solder or Adhesive (33) is applied in the areas shown in FIG. 3 where the rail contacts the device, thereby mechanically and/or electrically bonding (e.g. connecting) the Conductive Rails (32) to the Complete Device (31). One or more of the rails (depending on the specific electrical situation) are then separated by cutting vertically from the top side (rails) using a fine saw or other device capable of cutting the rail material. The Rail Gap(s) (34) is (are) cut clean through the Conductive Rail(s) (32), and to a sufficient depth to cut through the Conductive Top (12) (See FIG. 1) of the Complete Device (31) but not through its rigid Insulating Substrate (11) (See FIG. 1). This accomplishes electrical isolation of the Conductive Rail (32) segments, while mechanically maintaining alignment of the newly formed rail ends. The hobbyist is able to then finish the resulting assembly, using paint and other materials common to the hobby, to achieve the desired level of realism. In further embodiments, the rails may not need to be cut. For example, a contiguous rail may be desired, or a pre-cut rail may be used in alternate embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the invention, which is an extension of the basic concept. This is an example using the embodiment of FIG. 2A as a starting point, but could easily be applied to several embodiments.

In this embodiment, additional Connective Longitudinal Beams (41) are included. While they are shown here as inboard of pre-existing beams, they could be outboard or any combination thereof. One possible application is to accommodate model railroad trackage that incorporates 3 rails (so-called dual-gauge trackage). Although there is no fixed gap size or positioning requirement, it is possible to move the Gaps (42) off-center to compensate for the space occupied by the additional Connective Longitudinal Beams (41) or to include additional gaps between pairs of Connective Longitudinal Beams (41) depending on the electrical isolation scheme desired, which may vary depending on the specific application.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the invention, which could accommodate multiple parallel routes of trackage.

Using the second embodiment as a starting point, one or more Joining Beam(s) (52) are employed to connect 2 or more of the previous embodiments. These could be connected to any combination of Structural Crossties (24) (See FIG. 2A). One or more Central Gap(s) (51) are provided at one or more points along the Joining Beam(s) (52) to provide electrical isolation between the parallel routes of trackage. Installation of the trackage or rails would be performed in a similar fashion as earlier embodiments. Note that depending on the specific application, it may or may not be desired to cut electrical gaps into the rails when this particular embodiment is employed. In further embodiments, the Joining Beam(s) (52) may be separately added to connect sub-assemblies, or the Joining Beam(s) (52) may be formed as a one or more unified portion(s) of an assembly (e.g. a single parallel track assembly).

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment, where it is being used to mechanically and electrically join two disparate segments of model trackwork, thus replacing metal fasteners (termed rail joiners) commonly used in the craft, which some modelers consider unsightly.

Any earlier Device (61) can be employed, as well as alternate unillustrated designs consistent with the invention described. In this example the Device of FIG. 1 is illustrated. For the sake of this discussion the terms “left hand side” and “right hand side” will be used to indicate position on the drawing and not necessarily position in a real-world embodiment or installation. In this embodiment, Left Hand Side Rails (62) are affixed to the Device (61) in the usual manner described earlier using Electrical Solder or Adhesive (64). Right Hand Side Rails (63) are aligned with the Left Hand Side Rails (62) and affixed to the Device (61) in the usual manner described earlier using Electrical Solder or Adhesive (64), such that the rail ends of the Right Hand Side Rails (63) and Left Hand Side Rails (62) could, but not necessarily, abut, at the Joining Places (65). In this manner, electrical and mechanical continuity are accomplished.

FIG. 7 involves the installation of the device where trackwork terminates or abuts to the edge of a model train module, layout or segment thereof. This provides extra rigidity and durability for such installations as the Device (71) is stronger than commercial or handcrafted track. Other applications could mechanically fortify trackwork residing on model bridges or layout “lift-out” segments.

Any earlier described Device (71) is affixed to the Rails (73) using Electrical Solder or Adhesive (74) in the usual manner. The Rails (73) on one end are further arranged such that they protrude minimally from the end of the Device (71), or protrude a distance that the modeler finds adequate for their particular application. This assembly is mounted such that the ends of the Rails (73) are near the edge of the Benchwork (72).

FIG. 8 shows yet another embodiment of the device.

With the addition of more Structural Crossties (83) and/or different-shape or different-length Structural Crossties (83), the device can be made to replicate a track switch, where one route diverges into two or more routes. Replication of other trackwork arrangements such as crossings is also possible in a similar manner. Such trackwork has areas where rails cross over each other, in a Frog Area (82), generally necessitating electrical isolation around that area. Due to rail curvature typically found in such trackwork, the Connective Longitudinal Beams (81) may not necessarily be parallel or perpendicular to any other feature of the device, and they might not necessarily be perfectly straight components. Furthermore, such trackwork could allow, require or otherwise accommodate more than 3 Gaps (84) per Structural Crosstie (83).

FIG. 9A shows another embodiment of the device, although it could be based on any of the earlier embodiments.

As before, a rigid Insulating Substrate (91) incorporates Structural Crossties (94), Connective Longitudinal Beams (93) and provides substantially electrically isolated Conductive Tops (92) through inclusion of Gaps (95). Additionally, however, Inner Holes (97) and Outer Holes (96) are included. These could be used to affix electrical feeder wires to the device, provide holes for model spikes to be driven through (if holes are positioned closely enough to the rails, or for other applications. These holes may or may not be plated through.

FIG. 9B shows a possible operation of the device described in FIG. 9A, the connection of electrical wires. Again, any earlier embodiment could be employed but a two rail example is illustrated herein for the sake of clarity.

As before, the Device (911) is positioned below the rails, which are thereafter affixed with Electrical Solder or Adhesive (915). Depending on the particular application, one or more Gaps (914) can be cut in the usual manner, isolating the rails into LHS Rail Segments (913) and RHS Rail Segments (912). Note, however, that the gapping operation is completely optional for this embodiment, and depends on the particular application. Feeder Wires (916) are then placed into one or more of the holes, and affixed with Solder (917). The resultant assembly can thusly have one or more Feeder Wires (916), providing electrical power to one or more rails.

As such, provided herein as in FIG. 1, is a device for a model railroad layout, comprising a plurality of structural crossties configured to mimic model rail track crossties; a plurality of connective longitudinal beams connected to the structural crossties to hold the structural crossties in positions mimicking model rail track crossties; a conductive top surface on predetermined portions of one or more of the structural crossties and the connective longitudinal beams; the conductive top surface being configured to affix conductive rails thereto to provide permanent alignment of the conductive rails when affixed thereon; and means providing for gaps in the conductive top surface configured to electrically isolate conductive rails affixed on the conductive surface when the conductive rails are coordinated with the gaps.

In some embodiments, one or more electrical gaps is/are cut through said conductive top surface and positioned to align with corresponding gaps cut through conductive rails when affixed thereadjacent, to provide electrical isolation between a plurality of rail segments and stabilize the corresponding gaps cut therethrough, as in FIG. 3.

Further, in some embodiments, an installation can be comprised of rails terminated at one end of the device, to provide mechanical steadfastness where track abuts the end of a model railroad layout, modular section, or segment thereof, as in FIG. 7.

In some embodiments the structural crossties or connective longitudinal beams could be substantially non-conductive, as a variation of FIG. 2A where the conductive top could be optionally omitted.

In some embodiments further comprising a hole in the conductive top surface, as in FIG. 9A.

In some embodiments the conductive top surface further comprises a metallic surface upon which two or more rails can be permanently affixed, as in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2B and FIG. 8.

In some embodiments the structural crossties are substantially parallel as in FIG. 2B.

Furthermore, provided herein is an apparatus comprising a plurality of structural crossties configured to mimic railroad crossties; a plurality of beams connected to said structural crossties; a conductive top surface on portions of said structural crossties or said beams, wherein said conductive top surface is configured for substantially electrically isolating a first conductive rail from a second conductive rail, as in FIG. 3.

In some embodiments the conductive top surface is further configured for electrically connecting the first conductive rail to a third conductive rail, electrically connecting the second conductive rail to a fourth conductive rail, and electrically isolating the third conductive rail from the fourth conductive rail, as in FIG. 6.

In some embodiments the plurality of structural crossties and the plurality of beams are configured to align the first conductive rail and the second conductive rail as in FIG. 3.

In some embodiments the conductive top surface is configured with gaps for substantially electrically isolating the first conductive rail from the second conductive rail as in FIG. 2A.

Furthermore, provided herein is a method for a model railroad layout, comprising with a plurality of connective longitudinal beams, connecting a plurality of structural crossties, of predetermined dimensions and shape configured to mimic model rail track crossties, to hold the structural crossties in positions mimicking model rail track crossties; and providing a conductive top surface on predetermined portions of one or more of the connective longitudinal beams and the structural crossties, the conductive top surface being configured for forming gaps therein for electrically isolating conductive rails coordinated with the gaps, and for permanently aligning conductive rails affixed to the conductive top surface, as in FIG. 2A and FIG. 8.

In some embodiments it is possible to cut one or more electrical gaps through the conductive top surface to align with corresponding gaps cut through conductive rails when affixed thereadjacent, to provide electrical isolation between a plurality of rail segments and stabilize the corresponding gaps cut therethrough, as in FIG. 3.

In some embodiments it is possible to terminate rails adjacent one end of the connective longitudinal beams, to provide mechanical steadfastness where track abuts the end of a model railroad layout, modular section, or segment thereof, as in FIG. 7.

In some embodiments it is possible that the step of connecting further comprises connecting structural crossties or connective longitudinal beams that are substantially non-conductive, as a variation of FIG. 2A where the conductive top could be optionally omitted.

In some embodiments the step of connecting further comprises forming a hole through one of the structural crossties, through one of the connective longitudinal beams, or through the conductive top surface, as in FIG. 9A.

In some embodiments the step of providing a conductive top surface further comprises providing a metallic surface upon which two or more rails can be permanently affixed as in FIG. 3 and in FIG. 6.

In some embodiments the step of connecting further comprises connecting the structural crossties such that they are substantially parallel, as in FIG. 2A.

Accordingly, departures may be made from the foregoing embodiments and/or examples without departing from the scope of the invention, which scope is limited only by the following claims when appropriately construed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for a model railroad layout, comprising: a plurality of structural crossties configured to mimic model rail track crossties; a plurality of connective longitudinal beams connected to said structural crossties to hold said structural crossties in positions mimicking model rail track crossties; a conductive top surface on predetermined portions of one or more of said structural crossties and said connective longitudinal beams; said conductive top surface being configured to affix conductive rails thereto to provide permanent alignment of the conductive rails when affixed thereon; and means providing for gaps in said conductive top surface configured to electrically isolate conductive rails affixed on said conductive surface when the conductive rails are coordinated with said gaps.
 2. The device of claim 1 further comprising one or more electrical gaps cut through said conductive top surface and positioned to align with corresponding gaps cut through conductive rails when affixed thereadjacent, to provide electrical isolation between a plurality of rail segments and stabilize the corresponding gaps cut therethrough.
 3. The device of claim 1 further comprising rails terminated at one end of the device, to provide mechanical steadfastness where track abuts the end of a model railroad layout, modular section, or segment thereof.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the structural crossties are substantially non-conductive.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein the connective longitudinal beams are substantially non-conductive.
 6. The device of claim 1 further comprising a hole in the conductive top surface.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein said conductive top surface further comprises a metallic surface upon which two or more rails can be permanently affixed.
 8. The device of claim 1 wherein said structural crossties are substantially parallel.
 9. An apparatus comprising: a plurality of structural crossties configured to mimic railroad crossties; a plurality of beams connected to said structural crossties; a conductive top surface on portions of said structural crossties or said beams, wherein said conductive top surface is configured for substantially electrically isolating a first conductive rail from a second conductive rail.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the conductive top surface is further configured for: electrically connecting the first conductive rail to a third conductive rail; electrically connecting the second conductive rail to a fourth conductive rail; and electrically isolating the third conductive rail from the fourth conductive rail.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said plurality of structural crossties and said plurality of beams are configured to align the first conductive rail and the second conductive rail.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said conductive top surface is configured with gaps for substantially electrically isolating the first conductive rail from the second conductive rail.
 13. A method for a model railroad layout, comprising: with a plurality of connective longitudinal beams, connecting a plurality of structural crossties, of predetermined dimensions and shape configured to mimic model rail track crossties, to hold the structural crossties in positions mimicking model rail track crossties; and providing a conductive top surface on predetermined portions of one or more of the connective longitudinal beams and the structural crossties, the conductive top surface being configured for forming gaps therein for electrically isolating conductive rails coordinated with the gaps, and for permanently aligning conductive rails affixed to the conductive top surface.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising cutting one or more electrical gaps through the conductive top surface to align with corresponding gaps cut through conductive rails when affixed thereadjacent, to provide electrical isolation between a plurality of rail segments and stabilize the corresponding gaps cut therethrough.
 15. The method of claim 13 further comprising terminating rails adjacent one end of the connective longitudinal beams, to provide mechanical steadfastness where track abuts the end of a model railroad layout, modular section, or segment thereof.
 16. The method of claim 13 wherein the step of connecting further comprises connecting structural crossties that are substantially non-conductive.
 17. The method of claim 13 wherein the step of connecting further comprises connecting with connective longitudinal beams that are substantially non-conductive.
 18. The method of claim 13 wherein the step of connecting further comprises forming a hole through one of the structural crossties, through one of the connective longitudinal beams, or through the conductive top surface.
 19. The method of claim 13 wherein the step of providing a conductive top surface further comprises providing a metallic surface upon which two or more rails can be permanently affixed.
 20. The method of claim 13 wherein the step of connecting further comprises connecting the structural crossties such that they are substantially parallel. 